In an effort to prevent the spread of flu Wentworth-Douglass Hospital has instituted the following:

• Individuals with flu-like symptoms such as coughs, sore throat, runny nose and/or fever should avoid visiting hospital patients to protect both the patient and the visitors.
• Additional precautions for the Women & Children’s Center include: Children and adults exhibiting flu-like symptoms will be restricted from visiting patients in the Women & Children’s Center. And family visits to the Nursery will be limited to 2 adults or 1 adult and 1 sibling.

General flu information

To prevent the spread of flu follow these precautions:
• Hand washing is the first and best way to prevent the spread of any infection.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your arm when coughing or sneezing. If you use a tissue, throw it away.
• If you are sick, stay home from work, school or public events. If you have symptoms and are concerned call your healthcare provider.
• Get vaccinated. It is not too late to get the flu vaccine. Contact your healthcare provider.
• Avoid the emergency department or an urgent care center unless you have the following emergency warning signs. More information available at CDC.gov.
Emergency Warning Signs:
In children:
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Bluish skin color
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Fever with a rash
In addition to the signs above, get medical help right away for any infant with these signs:
• Being unable to eat
• Has trouble breathing
• Has no tears when crying
• Significantly fewer wet diapers than normal
In adults:
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough

For more information on influenza and the vaccine, contact the NH Immunization Program at 800-852-3345 ext. 4482 or 603-271-4482 or the Communicable Disease Surveillance Section at 800-852-3345 ext. 0279 or 603-271-0279.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at CDC.gov for more information or the DHHS website at DHHS.nh.gov.